Thursday night was like old times — only with different colors, teams and arena.

After three overtimes and 44 minutes on the court, there stood Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah, screaming, pounding his chest and … well … being Joakim Noah.

Following the Bulls’ 128-127 triple-overtime victory to tie their first-round series with Boston at three game a piece, Noah found enough energy to make a beeline to the stands, running up and down the sideline slapping hands with every fan, going three rows in to hug strangers and then dropping in a heap on the scorers’ table to rest before a radio interview.

That may be the first time in Noah’s life that he lacked energy.

But how can you blame the second-year pro? In six games against the Celtics, he’s averaging 40 minutes a contest. That’s a far cry from the 22.5 he averaged in each of the 80 regular-season games he participated in.

To put that in perspective, his career high in minutes played at UF was 36. The most he averaged in a Gator season was 25.8 his junior year.

Three months ago, Chicago fans were begging for him to be added to a trade for Phoenix’s Amare Stoudamire. Thursday night they chanted his name like it was tip-off at the O’Dome all over again. In a span of six games, Noah’s gone from a really good college player to a bonified up-and-coming pro.

Sorry Gainesville, it looks like you’re going to have to share one of your favorite sons.